Help with filters to Canon EOS 350D

I can't claim to be a photography specialist... but I did stay at a holiday inn this past weekend; with that said...


I believe UV filter is best for photography automobiles

 

UV filter is really just to protect the lens. It's effects are minimal. But you should ALWAYS put one on - a $20 UV filter is easier to replace than a $200++ lens.

Polarizing filter is like sunglasses for your lens that cut out a lot of reflections and make colors much more vivid (and shadows darker). If you're shooting cars, you should use a polarizing filter to cut out reflections. (I think this is what Bigdog meant.) Many pro car photographers recommend this. You'll notice that the sky gets very vivid blue and overall saturation will increase significantly. I just got mine a few months ago and I don't know what I did without it.

Suffice it to say, you need both! Get a tripod too. Even something cheaper, as long as it holds up your camera.

 

You need both, and they usually come in a 3 piece kit anyways, containing a polarizer, an UV filter ... and another one.

I can't remember using the UV filter ... however, the polarizer is ALWAYS on. It is the one that makes the pictures look outstanding. No more glare from the windshield, extra colour intensity ... it's just a must have, especially with that neat 350D.
I would suggest you make sure it's a circular filter, but that's pretty much a given nowadays.

2 comparative pics, both were taken early afternoon ... notice the lack of glare in the second one
Without PL
http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc011786ly.jpg
With PL
http://img385.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc021260yg.jpg

..just like Ryan, after the first picture with a PL, I was stunned at how I could live without one.
Here's another pic to showcase the extra-reflections. I now love black cars
http://img371.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc018425im.jpg

 

Richard posted these photos in another thread. I hope he doesn't mind me reposting them.

The photo on the left was taken with no filter and the photo on the right was taken with a polarizing filter.
Notice how much easier it is to see inside the car.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

UV filter is for indoors and outdoors - it's like a protection layer for any lens. You just leave it on, and put other lenses on top of it (they are threaded like lids to be combined).

Brand of camera doesn't matter, just the measurement. At any store they should be able to tell you what you need.

 

I think that one is the wrong size.

EDIT:
Here is a link to some filters. http://opd.usa.canon.com/html/eflenses/accessories/#filters

 

Look at this. I think this should show which size filter you need for whichever lens you are using. http://opd.usa.canon.com/html/eflenses/pdf/spec.pdf

I think you need a 58mm filter for the 18-55 lens amd a 77mm filter for the 55-200 lens.

 

You can just buy the larger filters you need and use an adapter to bring it down the the thread size on the other lens. Not the prettiest solution, but cheaper. Make sure you get the circular polarizer. A regular one will cause issues with the autofocus and metering systems. Consider getting one that is multi-coated. Coatings help reduce the effect of having more glass surfaces. I don't even use a UV filter unless it is somewhere the lens may get dirty or get water splashed on it. Less glass=greater quality, generally. I'd recommend Adorama or B&H Photo to buy them. Many places will screw up your order or play a bait and switch. Bogen tripods are usually considered the best for the price. Gitzo's are better yet if you can swing the cash. Don't go super cheap, you will be nearly as frustrated as if you didn't have one, not to mention the wasted money. Photo.net is one website for info.

 

The trick is getting rich color w/ some reflections to show how shinny the car is. Polarizing filters have 2 rings which you manually dial in. A uv or skylight filter is routinely use as a lens protector you keep on all the time. They both have qualities. A polarizing filter is fun to play with & can work for you in some circumstances.

 

Hold the phone people ... a polarizer robs you of two stops of light. For the person who says he puts it on and never takes it off, you obviously don't take photos in anything but bright sunlight or your camera never leaves a tripod.

As the pictures of the Lotus showed, a polarizer bends the light to remove reflections. The trade-off, is that you lose two entire stops of light (this is a large amount). The loss of light means that for a comparable ISO/F-stop combination, you will lose two stops worth of shutter speed which could mean the difference between a nice sharp photo or one that's blurred by your body motion.

A polarizer has its place, yes, but it should be used when the conditions dictate its use and permit it.

Bill in Brooklyn

 

Just get a Hoya skylight or UV filter to protect your lens. Even these lenses are seriously rated for quality. You can’t imagine! Just get the one your camera shop has for now. Get any polarizing ring they have & play w/ it.